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-Digger's Daily-

Get ready for what promises to be an explosive American League Championship Series. Baseball's two best teams will be going head to head. Los Angeles Angels (95-67) vs New York Yankees (103-59).

New York is hoping local threatening weather stays away for tonights ALCS opener. The Yankees are counting on CC Sabathia starting Games 1,4,7. A rainout will challenge Joe Girardi's plans and force a 4th starter into the mix. Recent playoff failures ruffled feathers of Yankees faithful while bringing smiles to the baseball world outside of New York.

2009 turned out to be a great year for the Yankees after a rocky April (12-10). Their big 3 off season signings (Sabathia, Burnett & Teixeira) all began the year slowly before finally showing why they were the top sought after free agents. This Yankees team is the best one they've had since their last World Series title. An extremely powerful lineup 1 thru 9 can change games on a dime. Even Alex Rodriguez is contributing this post-season after many playoff failures. Angels pitchers will have their hands full but, they've proven up to the task of taming Yankees bats time and time again. If Bronx Bombers rely too much on swinging for the fences then they're asking for trouble. Game 1 starter CC was 0-2 vs LAA in '09.

The Angels play one of the best brands baseball has to offer. They pitch (starters & relievers), hit in the clutch, run bases extremely well and their defense is top notch. I'm certain they'll be very aggressive on the basepaths. Jorge Posada will be tested early and often against Angels runners. This team goes 1st to 3rd like no other and will play plenty of hit and run if/when opportunities exist. This series could be decided by the team with better base running plays. LA's outfielders have cannons for arms. NY has weak arms. Lackey starts Game 1 (1-0 vs NYY in '09).

It's going to be a great series. Who will win? Various factors will decide who moves on. Starting pitchers are a toss up. They've all had their ups and downs. Games in NY could turn to slugfests if cold weather alters ball grips. Middle relief and closer favors Yanks. Lineups are even but from different angles. NY needs Jeter & Damon to set the tables while 3-9 concentrate on line drive hitting vs going for broke. Angels lineup brings extra base hit potential and plenty of speed. Outfield defense might prove to be the difference. Angels speed and arms might cut down Yanks or keep them from taking an extra base. Yanks OF arms encourage runners to challenge. It's these intangibles which favor LA.

Prediction: Both teams are on a mission. There can be only one winner. Game 1 is a must win situation for New York. CC was signed for precisely this moment. Can he put previous playoff batterings behind? Girardi wants CC, Burnett then Pettitte. Big money pitchers indeed. Can they tame LA? I don't think so. Will Angels hurlers shut down Yanks lineup? Now that's a big question. Yanks tend to leave far too many runners on base.

Prediction: With the exception of tonight's opener I'm expecting every game to plate plenty of runs. 2009 ALCS has all the makings of a classic series. While I'd love to watch the Yankees sweep I believe LA's style, specifically base running and clutch hitting, brings a better winning formula. Yankees pitchers must dominate all series long for them to prevail. I don't see it happening. Angels in 6.

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